Tokyo Olympics: Gymnast Pranati Nayak recalls her training struggles during COVID lockdown

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics is just weeks away, while the Indian contingent is waiting to produce its best show. Meanwhile, Indian gymnast Pranati Nayak would be willing to showcase her best talent. However, her qualification did not come easy.

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Kolkata, First Published Jul 6, 2021, 7:02 PM IST | Last Updated Jul 6, 2021, 7:02 PM IST

While India would be staring at a stellar performance across all sporting verticals during the Tokyo Olympics 2020, athletics would be one area to look out for. Speaking of athletics, besides the field and track events, gymnastics would also be one of the areas that is expected to do well.

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Pranati Nayak would be representing the nation during the event, while it would be her maiden stint in the Olympics. Although she sealed her qualification through the continental quota, her performance has been genuinely acclaimable of late.

Tokyo Olympics: Gymnast Pranati Nayak recalls her training struggles during COVID lockdown-ayh

However, she had to work tirelessly, especially during the lockdown with limited training resources. Furthermore, all she had was two months to prepare for the global event.

"Training has been going well, but if you see, it is just two months that I have got to prepare for the Games. I do not want to state any excuses, but all I am looking forward to is putting out my best performance ever at the Olympics," she told The Bridge.

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"For almost a year, I had no equipment to practice. For us, maintaining physique and strength is of utmost importance. I had last competed in 2019 during Olympic Qualifiers. For a year, I was entirely at home. I have never stayed at home at a stretch for more than 20 days before the virus changed our fate. All clubs and gyms were closed. Initially, I could not even carry out my regular fitness training. I had set 2022 as my target with the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in mind," she recalled.

However, despite having a limited time frame to prepare, she gathered the courage to prepare her best, while her mental strength is remarkable. She trained at the Sports Authority of India facility in Kolkata at 8.40 am for three hours, while she was determined not to be swayed away by the pressure.

Tokyo Olympics: Gymnast Pranati Nayak recalls her training struggles during COVID lockdown-ayh

"I was not in training for a long time after all. And now, doubling my efforts often comes with its own challenges. I often get body pains and fatigues, but I think I have an indomitable spirit, which keeps me going. Of course, my team of nutritionists, physiotherapists and others have been working day and night to help me. I will not be taking any pressure going into the Olympics. Just have to give my best shot," she concluded.

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